Pep Guardiola, the renowned manager of Manchester City, recently gave an update on the long-term injury of key midfielder Rodri, offering some insight into his rehabilitation process and speculating on the player’s return. As one of the most integral figures in Manchester City’s midfield, Rodri’s absence has had a significant impact on the team’s performance. This season, the club has faced challenges in maintaining their dominance, with many fans and analysts pointing to the Spaniard’s injury as a pivotal factor in the team’s struggles.
Rodri, who has been sidelined with a severe knee injury since September 2024, has missed a large portion of the season. His injury has been particularly devastating for City, as the midfielder is widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Without him, Manchester City has struggled to replicate the form that saw them win multiple Premier League titles in recent years. The situation has only intensified given Liverpool’s resurgence, with the Merseyside club poised to reclaim the Premier League title from City, who have held the crown for the past four seasons.
Manchester City’s dominance in recent years has been built on a rock-solid midfield, with Rodri often being the anchor that ties everything together. His ability to control the tempo of the game, break up opposition attacks, and contribute defensively has made him indispensable. With Rodri out of action, City has struggled to find the same level of balance in midfield. In fact, statistical analysis shows a noticeable decline in their win rate when Rodri is not in the team.
Before his injury in September, Manchester City boasted an impressive win rate of 74.1%. However, since his absence, the club’s form has dipped significantly, with their win rate dropping to 61.9%. This statistic underscores just how crucial Rodri is to Manchester City’s success. His ability to read the game, recover possession, and distribute the ball effectively has been sorely missed, and his absence has left a noticeable gap in the team’s midfield.
Despite these struggles, Manchester City has managed to keep themselves in contention for a Champions League spot, although their hopes of winning another Premier League title seem increasingly slim. The club’s failure to defend their title this season has been largely attributed to the absence of Rodri, and fans are eager for updates on his recovery and when he might return to action.
Pep Guardiola, who has long been known for his cautious and methodical approach to player rehabilitation, has shared some details about Rodri’s recovery process. In an interview with Super Sport, Guardiola expressed his desire to see the midfielder return to full fitness but acknowledged that it has been a difficult and lengthy recovery. Guardiola noted, “I would be delighted to have him back soon, but it was a difficult injury. He has already been absent for six months, six months and a half.”
The lengthy absence has certainly been a blow to Manchester City, but Guardiola remained optimistic about Rodri’s gradual return to training. The City manager explained that while Rodri’s rehabilitation is progressing, it’s important to ensure that he is fully fit before making a return to competitive action. “He has been sidelined for seven and a half to eight months due to an injury; however, he is gradually reintegrating into our team. This is a positive development,” Guardiola said.
Given the severity of Rodri’s injury and the ongoing challenges of the season, Guardiola has suggested that it may be more beneficial to ensure Rodri is fully prepared for the following season rather than rushing him back for the final stretch of the current campaign. With Manchester City likely to make several changes to their squad in preparation for next season, including potential reinforcements to strengthen the team, it may be wise to treat Rodri as a new signing and build his return around a fresh start.
While Guardiola remains hopeful that Rodri can play some part in the remainder of the season, he is wary of pushing the player too hard. “It is important not to rush him back,” Guardiola added, emphasizing the need for caution in the rehabilitation process. The manager also noted that Rodri’s return would be viewed with great anticipation, but the priority must remain on ensuring that the player is at his best for the 2025/26 season, which is expected to be another competitive and demanding campaign for Manchester City.
Rodri’s influence on Manchester City cannot be overstated. Since joining the club from Atlético Madrid in 2019, he has quickly established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. His tactical intelligence, ability to read the game, and versatility have made him a key figure in Guardiola’s system. Rodri has been instrumental in Manchester City’s success, helping the club win multiple titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League.
His importance to the team is reflected in his statistics. Over the past few seasons, Rodri has consistently been one of the top performers for Manchester City, both in terms of defensive contributions and his ability to control the midfield. His passing range, vision, and composure under pressure have made him an essential cog in Guardiola’s tactical setup.
Without Rodri, Manchester City has struggled to find the same level of consistency in midfield. Players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva have tried to step up in his absence, but neither has the same combination of defensive discipline and technical ability that Rodri brings. The team has been forced to adapt, with Guardiola experimenting with different formations and personnel, but it has been clear that Manchester City is a much weaker side without their star midfielder.
As Manchester City continues to navigate a challenging season, Rodri’s return remains a key point of focus for both the club and its supporters. With the team’s hopes of winning another Premier League title fading, the focus has shifted to securing a Champions League spot and preparing for the next campaign. Guardiola’s cautious approach to Rodri’s recovery reflects the importance of getting the midfielder back to his best, rather than rushing him back for a few games at the end of this season.
Rodri’s rehabilitation will be closely monitored over the coming months, and it is likely that Manchester City will take extra care to ensure that he is fully fit and ready for the rigors of the 2025/26 season. With the club expected to make several changes to their squad in the summer, the return of Rodri could be seen as a major boost for Guardiola’s plans for the future.
In the meantime, Manchester City will continue to rely on their remaining players to carry the team through the remainder of the season. While it has been a difficult year for the club, the potential return of Rodri next season offers hope for a brighter future. Guardiola has always prided himself on building teams that are capable of competing at the highest level, and with a fully fit Rodri, Manchester City will once again be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League and beyond.
Looking ahead, Manchester City’s prospects for the 2025/26 season remain strong, provided that they can strengthen their squad and ensure that key players like Rodri remain fit. Guardiola’s tactical acumen and ability to adapt to challenges will be crucial in ensuring that the club returns to its winning ways. While this season has been challenging, the return of Rodri, along with any potential new signings, could help Manchester City mount a more serious challenge for the Premier League title next year.
The team’s supporters remain hopeful that the coming months will bring positive developments, not only in terms of Rodri’s recovery but also in the form of new players who can help the club maintain its competitive edge. The future looks promising for Manchester City, and with Rodri back in the fold, they will be well-positioned to reclaim their place at the top of English football. For now, though, the focus remains on navigating the rest of this season, with eyes firmly set on a successful 2025/26 campaign.
